Evaporating-accelerator.



E. C. DUN.

EVAPORATING ACCELERATOR. APPLICATION FILED MAY 3, 1911.

Patented Sept. 15, 1914.

2 SHEBTSSHEET 1.

, m/lgah WWW THE NOIIZRIS PEfERS C0 PHOTO-LITHQ, WAHINGTON. D- C E. G. DUN.

EVAPORATING ACCELERATOR.

APIPLIOATION FILED. MAY 3, 1911.

Patented Sept. 15, 1914.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

1HE NURRIS PETERS CO4. F'HOTO-LITHO.. WASHINGTON. D. C.

lllT STATES PATEN union.

EFFINGHAT/I C, DUN, 0F VISTA ALEGBE, SANTIAGO, CUBA.

EVAPOBATING-ACCELEBATOR.

dustries of a like nature where exhaust steam is utilized for the purpose of evaporating the water from the juices, consider able difficulty is occasioned in getting rid of the air which is always present in the steam, but can not be condensed with the same.

When high pressure steam is used in an evaporator or like device it becomes necessary toadopt some means for preventing the steam from flowing out too quickly, and a trap is frequently employed for this purpose, but in an ordinary trap only the water is allowed to pass ofi and no provision is made for the air. steam, or steam at a very low pressure, a trap merely retards the escape of the water and causes the air to accumulate within the pipes in such a manner as to prevent the steam from entering the evaporator and produce a back pressure which materially interferes with the proper working of the machinery and engines.

This apparatus is intended to be utilized as an auxiliary to an evaporator of anyv approved construction or any similar device, and aims to increase the efficiency of the said evaporator by providing a novel and effective device for exhausting the water and air where steam is utilized for heating purposes. The device will be found of special value where exhaust steam is used for the purpose of concentrating a solution by the evaporation of the waterin the solution as in single, double, triple, and quadruple effects, vacuum pans and similar apparatus.

For a full description of the invention and the merits thereo-fand also .to acquire a knowled e of the details of construction and the means for effecting the result, reference is to be had to the following; description and accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view through the device, the float being. shown in an elevated position. Fig. 2 is a similar view showing the float in a depressed position. Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view on the line 3-3 of Fig; 2.

Corresponding and like parts are referred Specification of Letters iatent.

Application filed May 1911.

In the case of exhaust Patented Sept. 15, 1914.

Serial No. 624,731.

to in the following description and indicated in all the views of the drawings by the same reference characters.

Specifically describing the embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings the numeral 1 designates the shell which in the present instance has a cylindrical formation and is supported in a slightly elevated position by means of the legs 2. Arranged within the shell 1 is a float 3 which is designed to reciprocate vertically within the shell and is shown as having a shallow cylindrical formation. A tube 4: communicatmg with the interior of the float 3 pro ects upwardly from the latter member and passes freely through a packing gland 5 at the upper end of the shell. The extremity of the tube a is provided with a check valve 6 designed to admit the entrance of air into the tube but to prevent the passage of vair out of the tube. A strainer 7 formed of fine wire gauze is carried by the tube 1 and serves to protect the valve 6 and exclude dust and foreign matter from the same. The bottom of the float 8 is provided with a plurality of. openings controlled by the valves '8 operating within the float and normally held upon their seats by the action, of gravity. Each of these valves is provided with a stem 9 extending through the valve opening and projecting downwardly below the bottom of the float, and also with an upwardly extending stem 10 cooperating with a guide member 11 to direct the valve in its movement. Projecting upwardly from the bottom of the shell 1 are the lugs 12 which serve to prevent the float from coming into contact therewith. It will be readily apparent however that when the float rests upon these lugs the downwardly extending stems 9 of the valves will engage the bottom of the shell so as to lift the valves 8 from their seats and establish communica tion between the interior of the float and the shell. Suitable stops 13 are utilized for limiting the upward movement .of the float and lateral projections 14 are carried by the float and engage the interior walls of the shell to keep the float centrally disposed therein Extending around the interior of the shell or receiver 1 is a hollow annular member 15 communicating with a pipe 16. leading from the evaporator or like device and serving to convey water and air from the same to the receiver. In the preferred embodiment of the shell and serves to distribute the water and air uniformally within the shell. Interposed in the length of the pipe 16 and preferably located near the receiver or shell is a valve 17' which is designed to be controlled by the pressure Within the receiver and is so constructed as to be automatically closed when the-pressure exceeds a predetermined amount. ings the upper portion of the casing for the valve 17 communicates with the interior of the receiver through a pipe 18 and the pressure within the receiver operates against a piston 19 controlling the valve 17, the piston being normally held in an elevated position with the valve open by means of a spring 20'. However, as soon as the pressure 6X-' erted upon the piston becomes suliicient to counteract the spring 20 the piston will be forced downwardly and the valve closed.

' Leading from the bottom of the receiver 1 is a pipe'21 through which the water with in the receiver is withdrawn therefrom by a pump 22 which may. be of any approved construction, the water being discharged'at any desired point throughthe delivery pipe 23. In the present instance the pump 22 is of the duplex type and is operated through the medium of steam or other motive fluid 1 received through a pipe 24, the exhaust from the pump being discharged through toavacuum pump, condenser or exhausting the pipe 25. A water gage 26 of any suitable size and make is applied to the receiver and serves to show the height of water with- .in the same. It will also be observed that a combined pressure and vacuum gage 27 is utilized to indicate whether the interior of therecelver is under pressure or in the condition of a partial vacuum- Communicating with the upper portion of the receiver or shell is a pipe 28 leading apparatus of any approved type for withdrawing the air) fromthe shell. A valve 29 is interposed in the length of the pipe 28,

the said valve being of the rotary plug type and being actuated by an arm 30 which has an operative connection with the upper end of the tube 4: carried by the float 3. The various parts are so arranged that when the float3 is depressed and rests upon the lugs 12 the valve 29 is opened and the suction within the pipe 28 operates to withdraw the air from the receiver and produce a partial vacuum therein. As the float is elevated the valve is gradually closed and the effect of .the suction within the pipe 28, gradually diminishes until the float reaches the limit of its upward movement when the valve is entirely closed. A second valve 31 is also interposed in the length of the suction pipe 28 and is designed to regulate thc vacuum created within the receiver. This valve 31 As shown on the drawagainst its seat.

and operating to normally hold the valve in a closed position. As soon as the vacuum produced within the receiver causes the pressure therein to fall below a predetermined point the atmospheric pressure upon the, valve 31 forces the same inwardly and air enters the receiver so as to reduce the vacuum therein, the valve being again automatically closed through the action of the weight 33 when the pressure within the receiver becomes sutlicient to again move the valve 31 It will thus be apparent that this valve operates automatically to maintain an approximately uniform vacuum within the receiver under normal working conditions. I

Interposed in the length of the steam pipe 2 1 through which motive fluid is delivered to the pump 22 is avalve 345 which is of the rotary plug type and is designed to be actuated through the medium of an arm 35 which is connected" in anysuitable manner as by the chain 36 to a'similar arm 87 rigid with the valve 29. Itwill also be observed that a weight 38 is pendent from the arm35 and is connected thereto by a chain'or cable 39. The weight is capable of being increased or decreased as required, or if found desir able may be entirely dispensed with and a spring substituted therefor. A second valve 40 designed to be manually actuated 'is also applied to the pipe 24: for regulating the supply of motivefluidto the pump. i

The invention also contemplates means for condensing any steam which might enter the receiver, and for this purpose a second perforated pipe 41 is provided which extends around the interior of the shell. above .the

perforatedpipe 15 and communicates with a supply pipe 42 through which cold water is conveyed to the receiver, the said cold water being discharged in the form of a spray through the perforations of the pipe supply of cold water to the re I as the steam-is condensed. Assuming the I float 3 toloeidepressed and'resting upon the lugs 12 withthezvalve 17 open and the valve l3 closed, thefloat in its downward movement willghave operated through the arm 30 toopen the valve 29 so the suction within the pipe 28 tends to'produce a vacuum within thereceiver, .and will also'have operated through arms 35 and 37 connected by the chain 36 to close the valve 34 and shut off the supply of steam ormotive fluid to the pump 22. The partial vacuum within the receiver will then serve to draw the water and air from the evaporator through the pipe 16 and will also draw a certain amount of air through the tube t and float 3 owing to the fact that when the float is depressed the stems Set the valves 8 engage the bottom of the receiver and lift the valves from their seat. The object of this is to free the float of any water which might have found its way into the same, and by having the float open to the atmosphere the air cannot be withdrawn therefrom with the consequence of causing the water to accumulate therein. The air drawn into the receiver through the pipe 16 is exhausted through the suction pipe 28 while the water falls upon the bottom of the receiver and tends to elevate the float. Asthe float is thus lifted from the bottom of the shell the valves 8 drop upon their seats so as to shut ofl communication between the interior of the float and thereceiver, and the arm 30 which has an operative connection with the tube 4: is caused to slowly close the valve 29, thereby reducing the volume of air exhausted through the suction pipe 28. At the same time the valve 34 interposed in the length of the steam pipe 2% leading to the pump 22 is slowly opened through the action of the arms 35and 37 which are connected by the chain 36, and the weight 38. As soon as steam is admitted to the pump the same operates to withdraw the water from the bottom of the reservoir and discharge it through the delivery pipe 23. It will thus be apparent that as the float rises the exhaust of air is gradually reduced While the amount of steam delivered to the pump is gradually increased and the action thereof in withdrawing the water from thereservoir correspondingly increased. Upon the fall of the float exactly the reverse condition is established and it will be obvious that there must be a point where a state of equilibrium will be established between the two functions. With this construction the level of water within the receiver is automatically maintained at a predetermined point and the partial vacuum formed therein is automatically retained at a uniform pressure.

For the purpose of giving warning should the receiver be at any time subjected to pressure a whistle 44: is utilized, the said whistle being so arranged as to blow or give warning when the pressure within the interior of the receiver exceeds the atmospheric pressure, but to otherwise remain mute.

Should the steam not be entirely condensed by the evaporator and be drawn into the receiver, the said steam can be readily condensed by opening the valve 43 and pern'iitting cold water to enter the perforated pipe all which discharges it in a fine spray. It will thus be apparent that when the herein-described device is connected to'the tail pipe of a pan or evaporator, both the air and condensed steam will be withdrawn and the efficiency of the evaporator thereby greatly increased.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new is 1. A receiverhaving a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet, and a float within said receiver having a valve controlled communication between the interior of the receiver and the interior of the float and a valve controlled communication between the interior of the float and the exterior of the receiver.

2. In a. device of the character described, the combination of a receiver provided with an inlet, a float arranged within the receiver, a tubular stem carried by the float and establishing communication between the interior thereof and the exterior of the receiver, a valve controlling the communication between the interior of the float and the interior of the receiver, and meansfor withdrawing air from the receiver.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination of a receiver provided with an inlet, a float arranged within the receiver, a tubular stem establishing communication between the interior of the float and the exterior of the receiver, the said float having an opening in the bottom thereof, a valve controlling the opening and provided with means whereby it is moved from its seat when the float is depressed, means for withdrawing air from the receiver, and means for withdrawing water from the receiver.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of a receiver provided with an inlet, a float arranged within the receiverand having an opening in the bottom thereof, a tubular stem carried by the float and establishing communication with the interior of the same and the exterior of the receiver. a check valve in the tubular stem permitting the entrance of air but prevent-- ing the outflow thereof, a valve controlling the opening in the bottom of the float, the said valve being provided with a stem by means of which it is lifted from its seat when the float is depressed, means for withdrawing air from. the receiver, and means for withdrawing water from the receiver.

5. In a device of the character described, the combination of a receiver provided with an inlet, a float arranged within the receiver and provided with a valve controlled opening which is automatically opened at a predetermined position of the float, a tubular stem carried by the float and establishing communication between the interior thereof and the eXt-erior of the receiver, means for withdrawing a1r from the re -ceiver, valve controlled means for withdrawing water from the receiver, and an operative connection between the tubular stem of the float and the means for with:

drawing air and water.

6. A device of the character described, includlng a recelver provlded with an inlet, a float arranged w thin the rece1ver,;atu

bular stem carried by the float and cam -municating with the interior thereof and with the exterior of the receiver, a check valvein said stem permitting the entrance of air but preventing the outflow thereof, a

water from the receiver, valve controlled means for withdrawing air from the receiver, a float mounted in the receiver, and formed wlth an opening estabhshing communication between the interiorofthe float and the interior of the receiver, a tubular stem connected to said float and extending upwardly from the receiver, said stem establishin g communication between the interior ofthe float and the exterior of the receiver,

a checkvalve in the outer end of said stem designed to admit air into'thestem and to prevent the outflow thereof, and operative connections between said stem and the valves of the air and water withdrawing means. I

8. A device of the character described,

Copies of this patent may be obtained-for including a receiver provided with an inlet through which air and water can enter the same, valvec0ntrolled means for withdrawing air from the receiver, valve controlled means for withdrawingwater from the receiver, a float within the receiver, means actuated by the rise of the: float forv automatically closing the valveof the air Withdrawing means and opening the controlling means including means independent oif' the float tending at all times to openthe valve controlling the water withdrawing means.

9. A. device of the character described,

through which air and water can enter the same, valve controlled means for withdraw? ing air from the receiver, valve controlled means forwithdrawing water from the receiver, a float within the receiver, means actuated by the rise ofthe float forautomatically closingthe valve of the air withdrawing means, means independent of the floatat all times tending to open the con trolling valvev of the water withdrawing means, and a connection between the 'two valves whereby the closing of the valve controlling the air withdrawing means will.

permit the opening of the valve controlling the water withdrawing means, sa d connec- ,tion being detachable from its operative engagement with the valve for controlling the withdrawal of air whereby to permitthe independing movement of the valve controlling the water withdrawing means;

In testimony whereof, I 'aiiiX my signature in presense of two witnesses.

EFFINGHAM G. DUN." [1 s.'] Witnesses: 1 j r "ERN-nsro V. V. BEIGE,

H. M. WOLCOTT.

five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents,

Washington, D. Q. 7

valve of the water withdrawing means, said including a receiver provided with an inlet 

